WASHINGTON -- New York will get nearly $3.5 billion in the first release of community development block grant funds from the $50.5 billion superstorm Sandy relief act approved last week, Sen. Charles Schumer said Tuesday.

Of that amount, New York City will receive about $1.8 billion and New York State will administer $1.7 billion for recovery from the storm's damage, said Schumer (D-N.Y.).

Nassau...

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WASHINGTON -- New York will get nearly $3.5 billion in the first release of community development block grant funds from the $50.5 billion superstorm Sandy relief act approved last week, Sen. Charles Schumer said Tuesday.

Of that amount, New York City will receive about $1.8 billion and New York State will administer $1.7 billion for recovery from the storm's damage, said Schumer (D-N.Y.).

Nassau and Suffolk counties are expected to be included in the state's action plan for its funds, which must be approved by federal housing officials.

The funds can be used for housing repairs or replacement costs not covered by other sources; repairs for uninsured small businesses, and affordable housing and community development in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.

"This first allocation of federal funds recognizes the substantial need that the governor has fought for to rebuild the many homes, businesses and communities on Long Island and across the state that were damaged by Sandy," said Matthew Wing, spokesman for New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.

New York's share accounted for nearly two-thirds of the $5.4 billion that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is releasing this week as the first installment of the $16 billion in community development block grants in the relief act.

"With this first $5.4 billion allocation, the work it took to pass the Sandy aid bill is starting to pay off," Schumer said.